6 Common Myths About Blood Clots, Debunked

March is both Blood Clot Awareness Month and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Awareness Month, a natural combination, since having DVT increases your risk of developing dangerous blood clots. Blood clots and DVT affect nearly 1 million people in the United States  every year.  

Vascular medicine and interventional cardiology specialist Enrique Hernandez, MD, of Advanced Vascular Cardiac & Veins in Miami, Florida, wants to set the record straight about a number of common myths surrounding blood clots. 

Some of these misconceptions can downplay the significance of the health risks that blood clots present. Blood clots are potential killers, so don’t underestimate the danger by falling for these myths. 

Myth: Varicose veins are harmless and unrelated to DVT

In fact, the same conditions that cause varicose veins lead to blood clots forming in those veins. In some cases, varicose and spider veins may be cosmetic issues, but in other cases, they can be warning signs of venous insufficiency. 

Myth: I’m young and active; I can’t have blood clots yet

Blood clots can happen to anyone. Sports participants may actually have an elevated risk of blood clots if they become dehydrated, causing the blood to thicken, or suffer an injury that triggers internal clot formation. You may also have inherited clotting disorders, and some surgeries carry a higher risk of forming dangerous clots. 

Myth: DVT has detectable symptoms

Sometimes, DVT can produce signs, like leg pain, swelling, or skin discoloration, common symptoms shared with other conditions and diseases. But about half of those with DVT may have no recognizable symptoms of the condition. 

Myth: Blood clots aren’t that dangerous

Blood clots are the primary causes of pulmonary embolisms and ischemic stroke, two emergency medical conditions that can cause sudden death. A blood clot may not cause a problem where it forms, but there’s always a risk that it could break away and lodge somewhere else in the body where it could result in a serious issue. 

Myth: Women are most at risk of DVT

Men have a higher overall risk of DVT. Women may encounter more DVT risks, but many of these are temporary, such as pregnancy, oral contraceptive use, and hormone replacement therapy after menopause. 

Myth: Travel is the most common time for blood clots

Long periods of sitting in a car or a plane can certainly aggravate blood flow and contribute to blood clots, but you’re more likely to have a blood clot after surgery or while bedridden, such as during a hospital stay or while suffering from a chronic illness.

Cardiac and vascular ultrasounds are a common diagnostic tool used to detect blood clots throughout the body. Dr. Hernandez and his team specialize in their use and are among the first tests you’ll have when screening for blood clots. 

Contact Advanced Vascular Cardiac & Veins when you have blood clot risk factors or symptoms. Call 305-707-5688 to book with either of our Miami, Florida, locations,  or request an appointment online.